Painted Rooster Cannabis Company is the culmination of over 90 years of farming hops in the Yakima Valley, where about 75% of the hops in the United States are produced. So, in an effort to better understand the relationship between hops and Cannabis, I did some basic research.
I learned that the Cannabaceae family of plants has 11 genera and around 170 species. The two most popular genera are Humulus lupulus (hops) and Cannabis sativa (hemp), which both require almost identical growing conditions. I really went down the rabbit hole here, and I suggest you get online and do the same. Basically, ideal growing conditions for hops and hemp consist of lots of long, sunny days, nutrient-rich and good-draining soil, and not too much moisture in the air. So, that means that the Yakima Valley is probably the most optimal place in our country to grow Cannabis outdoors.
“We focus on treating our sky-lit flower like we would if we were growing under lights, not skipping steps or taking shortcuts,” Douglas “DH” Henderson, Painted Rooster CEO, stated. “The best way to ensure quality is to stick to the basics and focus on what the consumer deserves from us; and that’s the best cured and preserved full-term flower the state can produce.”
Northwest Leaf saw this ethos in action on the tour: immaculate working conditions, a superbly clean processing facility and fields that are cared for by hand. Each team member I met had a genuine smile and a specific task, which shows efficiency, something that this legacy farm has built over its years of operation.
Doug is also the board vice president of The Cannabis Alliance. As stated on the group’s website, “The Cannabis Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of a vital, ethical, equitable, and sustainable Cannabis industry in Washington state.” Through this industry-founded and -operated entity, his leadership and the team have helped march forward the ethics involving farms and are working toward a future with farm-to-table aspects of this craft. As Doug clearly conveyed during our interview, “Washington growers are frustrated with their allowable access to consumers due to current limitations on advertising and marketing put in place by the LCB.”
With plenty of Leaf Bowl awards to prove it, Painted Rooster provides some of the highest-rated Cannabis and concentrates on the market. And, on top of that, it produces arguably the most-consumed, highest-quality infused beverage on the market. All made on site, from seed to processing, it’s called Sungaze, and this probably isn’t the first time you’ve heard the name. This amazing seltzer is not only a delicious beverage, but it’s also a great entry-level introduction to Cannabis consumption. The mellow flavors and moderate strength keep it at the top of the list for many enthusiasts, new and old. I’ve found that it’s a great late-afternoon libation and a perfect addition to a cocktail or mocktail.
At the end of the day, this team strives for perfection on every level. Do yourself (and your friends) a favor: Grab a sixer of Sungaze and some G-Stiks prerolls for your next sesh. Because, as stated on the Painted Rooster website, “nothing but the utmost quality will be presented in your jar, glass, or joint. If we wouldn’t smoke it, we wouldn’t sell it.”
Top strains:
- Pure Kush
- Oreoz
- ATF
- Super Boof
painted-rooster.com | drinksungaze.com | @drinksungaze | thecannabisalliance.us | @thecannabisalliance
